Flyers-Devils: Game 56 Preview

Kevin Durso

May 10 2021

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor

One more game. That's all that remains on what evolved into a disappointing and frustrating year for the Philadelphia Flyers. Four of their divisional foes will be heading onward to the playoffs, a destination that was the base goal for a team that entered the season with so many expectations.

All that is left now for the Flyers is one more match with the New Jersey Devils to close out the 2020-21 season.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers	GP	G	A	P	New Jersey Devils	GP	G	A	P
Jake Voracek	52	9	34	43	Pavel Zacha	49	16	18	34
James van Riemsdyk	55	16	26	42	Jack Hughes	55	11	20	31
Claude Giroux	53	16	25	41	Yegor Sharangovich	53	16	13	29
Sean Couturier	44	17	22	39	Jesper Bratt	45	7	22	29
Joel Farabee	54	18	18	36	Miles Wood	54	17	8	25

Sean Couturier had his season marred by injury, missing 11 games earlier in the year. He's battled back from injury and is probably not 100 percent following a grueling schedule, and as such, he has struggled at times. He does have four goals in five games against the Devils this season, so he could finish his season on a high note.

Pavel Zacha had a strong week against the Flyers in the four-game series between the two. He scored in the first three games and has three more goals in the four games since.

Brian Elliott gets the start in the season finale on Monday night. Elliott turned in a solid performance in a win for the Flyers on Friday night. In what could be his final start with the team, he looks to end with one more strong start.

Scott Wedgewood starts the season finale for the Devils after Mackenzie Blackwood suffered an injury in a collision in the team's last game. Wedgewood has 14 starts this season, but has just one start since April 20.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Scratches: Robert Hagg (healthy), Sam Morin (healthy), Jackson Cates (healthy)

Devils Scratches: Ty Smith (injury), Mikhail Maltsev (injury), Mackenzie Blackwood (injury), Connor Carrick (healthy), Tyce Thompson (healthy), Marian Studenic (healthy), A.J. Greer (healthy), Nick Merkley (healthy), P.K. Subban (healthy)

Lineup Notes

Flyers: The only change for the Flyers is Shayne Gostisbehere's return to the lineup from a two-game suspension. Sam Morin comes out of the lineup.
Devils: No changes are expected for the Devils, outside of the goalie with Blackwood now out.

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (19th), Devils (28th)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th), Devils (31st)
Recent History vs. Devils
- Jan. 26, 2021 – Flyers 5, Devils 3 (at NJ)
- Jan. 28, 2021 – Flyers 3, Devils 1 (at NJ)
- March 23, 2021 – Devils 4, Flyers 3 (at PHI)
- April 25, 2021 – Flyers 4, Devils 3 (F/SO) (at PHI)
- April 27, 2021 – Devils 6, Flyers 4 (at NJ)
- April 29, 2021 – Devils 5, Flyers 3 (at NJ)
- May 1, 2021 – Devils 4, Flyers 1 (at PHI)
Flyers Leaders vs. Capitals
- Claude Giroux – 58 GP, 15 G, 38 A, 53 P
- Jake Voracek – 46 GP, 7 G, 31 A, 38 P
- James van Riemsdyk – 41 GP, 16 G, 15 A, 31 P
- Brian Elliott – 16 GP, 8-8-0, 3.04 GAA, .880 SV%
Milestone Watch
- Claude Giroux needs two power-play goals to pass Eric Lindros for 8th all-time in Flyers history.
- Kevin Hayes needs one point to reach 300 for his career.